Ohio Agricultural District and Right-to-Farm Protections

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 929 allows farmland owners to apply through the county auditor to place qualifying property in an Agricultural District for a five-year renewable period. Land in a district receives a defense against nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors over farm operations conducted in conformity with generally accepted agricultural practices. The chapter also limits sewer and water assessments and requires public agencies to evaluate impacts on farmland before exercising eminent domain. ORC 3767.13 reinforces that agricultural activities are not nuisances when conducted in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Plaintiffs bringing barred nuisance suits against compliant Ag District farms may be denied relief and assessed costs.